Adding Sounds to Simulated Ultrasound Examinations

ABSTRACT

A system for performing audio-enhanced, simulated ultrasound examinations may generally include an ultrasound simulation device having at least one processor and associated memory. The memory may store pre-recorded audio-enhanced ultrasound data for at least one internal organ. The audio-enhanced ultrasound data may include a moving ultrasound image of the at least one internal organ along with synced audio data associated with auscultatory sounds generated by the at least one internal organ depicted within the moving ultrasound image. In addition, the system may include a display and a speaker coupled to the ultrasound simulation device. The display may be configured to display the moving ultrasound image as a trainee is performing the simulated ultrasound examination. The speaker may be configured to broadcast the synced audio data simultaneously with the display of the moving ultrasound image.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to simulated ultrasoundexaminations and, more particularly, to a system and method forperforming simulated ultrasound examinations using audio-enhancedultrasound data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without actually performing procedures often in patients, it isdifficult for a health care worker, such as a physician, to maintain thehigh degree of skill needed to perform these procedures or to implementnew methods, operations and procedures. In addition, there is currentlyno way for physicians to realistically evaluate different approaches totreatment options for patient-specific situations prior to actuallyperforming the procedures or examinations on the patient.

Systems for simulating medical procedures have provided importanttraining tools that allow physicians to develop skills that can betransferred to the operating room. Such systems allow health careworkers to practice the delicate eye-hand coordinated movements neededto navigate medical devices while viewing scanned images of a patient'sanatomy on a display screen. However, current systems fail to includethe sounds necessary for suitable ultrasound training.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system forperforming audio-enhanced, simulated ultrasound examinations. The systemmay generally include an ultrasound simulation device having at leastone processor and associated memory. The memory may store pre-recordedaudio-enhanced ultrasound data for at least one internal organ. Theaudio-enhanced ultrasound data may include a moving ultrasound image ofthe at least one internal organ along with synced audio data associatedwith auscultatory sounds generated by the at least one internal organdepicted within the moving ultrasound image. In addition, the system mayinclude a display and a speaker coupled to the ultrasound simulationdevice. The display may be configured to display the moving ultrasoundimage as a trainee is performing the simulated ultrasound examination.The speaker may be configured to broadcast the synced audio datasimultaneously with the display of the moving ultrasound image.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a methodfor performing audio-enhanced, simulated ultrasound examinations. Themethod may generally include receiving, with a computing device, anindication that a simulated ultrasound examination is to be performed,wherein the simulated ultrasound examination is associated with aninternal organ. In addition, the method may include displaying a movingultrasound image of the internal organ and broadcasting synced audiodata simultaneously with the display of the moving ultrasound image,wherein the audio data corresponds to auscultatory sounds generated bythe internal organ depicted within the moving ultrasound.

Other exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed todevices, systems, and methods for performing simulating ultrasoundexaminations.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of one embodiment of a system forperforming simulated ultrasound examinations using audio-enhancedultrasound data in accordance with aspects of the present subjectmatter;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of variouscomponents that may be included within or coupled to an ultrasoundsimulation device of the disclosed system in accordance with aspects ofthe present subject matter; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method forperforming simulated ultrasound examinations using audio-enhancedultrasound data in accordance with aspects of the present subjectmatter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

In general, the present subject matter is directed to systems andmethods for performing simulated ultrasound examinations usingaudio-enhanced ultrasound data. Specifically, in several embodiments,initial ultrasound data may be collected from actual patients or otherhuman subjects using an ultrasound unit, together with a unidirectionalmicrophone, to observe and examine the functioning of an internal bodypart, such as an internal organ. For example, the ultrasound unit andassociated microphone may be used to collect a moving ultrasound imageof a patient's heart along with the auscultatory sounds simultaneouslygenerated by the heart. The resulting audio file and video image(s)produced during the examination may then be combined (e.g., using adigital recorder) to generate a moving ultrasound image(s) withaccompanying, fully synched, audio sound of the examined heart.

The audio-enhanced ultrasound data collected during actual ultrasoundexaminations may then be utilized as a training/learning tool during theperformance of manikin-based ultrasound simulations. For example, theaudio-enhanced ultrasound data may be stored within an ultrasoundsimulation device used to facilitate the performance of simulatedultrasound examinations. In such instance, as the trainee conducting thesimulated examination moves the associated ultrasound probe to alocation on the manikin's body at which a given internal organ wouldotherwise be located within a patient, the audio-enhanced ultrasounddata associated with such internal organ may be displayed/broadcasted tothe trainee. Specifically, the moving ultrasound image(s) of thefunctioning internal organ may be displayed on a display associated withthe ultrasound simulation device while the synced audio may besimultaneously broadcast via a speaker(s) associated with the ultrasoundsimulation device. As a result, an improved, more realistic learningexperience may be provided to the trainee that allows for enhancedinstruction regarding the physiologic and pathophysiologic functions ofhuman organs, the use of clinical ultrasound as an aid in diagnosis andtreatment and the required methodology to become competent in theapplication of ultrasound technology when conducting a physical exam.

It should be appreciated that, although the present subject matter willbe described herein with reference to the performance of simulatedultrasound examinations using manikins, the audio-enhanced ultrasounddata described herein may generally be utilized with any suitable typeof ultrasound learning or training, including computer simulationsperformed on a given computing device (e.g., a desktop, laptop, tablet,smartphone, etc.) without the use of manikin and recorded simulationsdisplayed to the trainee via any suitable video format (e.g., a DVD).

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example view of one embodiment of a system100 for performing simulated ultrasound examinations usingaudio-enhanced ultrasound data is illustrated in accordance with aspectsof the present subject matter. As shown, the system 100 may include anultrasound simulation device 102 that allows a technician or trainee toview a pre-recorded, moving ultrasound image(s) of an internal organwhile synced audio data associated with the auscultatory soundsgenerated by such organ is being broadcast to the trainee. For example,the ultrasound simulation device 102 may be coupled to a display 104 fordisplaying the moving ultrasound image(s). In addition, the ultrasoundsimulation device 102 may be coupled to one or more speakers 106 toallow the pre-recorded, synced auscultatory sounds to be broadcastsimultaneously with the moving ultrasound image(s). As shown in FIG. 1,the speakers 106 are integrated into or otherwise attached to thedisplay 104. However, in other embodiments, each speaker 106 maycorrespond to a stand-alone speaker.

As shown in FIG. 1, when performing the examination, the trainee may usean ultrasound probe 108 to simulate the performance of an ultrasoundexamination on a given internal organ by placing the probe 108 at theappropriate location on a corresponding simulation manikin 110. Forexample, if it is desired to simulate the performance of an ultrasoundexamination on a heart, the trainee may place the ultrasound probe 108at the appropriate location on the manikin's chest. Upon detecting thatthe probe 108 is appropriately positioned for examining the heart orupon receiving any other suitable input associated with initiating theexamination, the ultrasound simulation device 102 may cause a movingultrasound image(s) of a heart to be displayed on the display 104 whilethe corresponding synced audio is played through the speaker(s) 106. Thetrainee may then view the moving ultrasound image(s) of the heart whilesimultaneously listening to the corresponding auscultatory soundsgenerated by the depicted heart.

It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the ultrasoundprobe 108 used to perform the simulated ultrasound examination maycorrespond to an actual ultrasound probe configured to be used with anysuitable clinical ultrasound unit. Alternatively, the ultrasound probe108 may correspond to any other suitable object that can be held by thetrainee during the performance of the simulated ultrasound examination.For instance, in one embodiment, the ultrasound probe 108 may correspondto a handheld device that is capable of detecting its location relativeto the manikin 110 (e.g., by being configured to receive signals fromsuitable positioning devices implanted within or otherwise associatedwith the manikin 110). In such an embodiment, the ultrasound probe 108may be configured to transmit suitable signals to the ultrasoundsimulation device 102 corresponding to the specific location of theprobe 108 relative to the manikin 110. The ultrasound simulation device102 may then determine which audio-enhanced ultrasound data todisplay/broadcast to the trainee base on the position of the probe 108.

As an alternative to determining which audio-enhanced ultrasound data todisplay/broadcast based on signals received from the ultrasound probe108, the ultrasound simulation device 102 may be configured to selectthe appropriate data to output based on any other suitable input signalor means. For instance, the trainee may indicate that he/she desires toperform a simulated ultrasound examination on a particular organ byproviding a suitable input to the ultrasound simulation device 102(e.g., by using an input device(s) coupled to the ultrasound simulationdevice 102, such as a keyboard 112, a mouse or any other suitable inputdevice). The ultrasound simulation device 102 may then display/broadcastthe audio-enhanced ultrasound data associated with the internal organselected based on the trainee's input(s).

Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic view of one embodiment of variouscomponents that may be included within or coupled to an ultrasoundsimulation device 102 of the disclosed system 100 are illustrated inaccordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Generally, thevarious components shown in FIG. 2 may include a combination ofhardware, software and/or firmware elements, all of which eithercorrespond to physical tangible apparatuses or which are embedded asinstructions on a physical and tangible apparatus, such as acomputer-readable storage medium. It should be appreciated that thecomponents shown in FIG. 2 may be provided in different configurationsand may be provided with different arrangements of direct and/orindirect physical and communicative links to perform the desiredfunctionality of such components.

In several embodiments, the ultrasound simulation device 102 maycorrespond to any suitable processor-based device known in the art, suchas a computing device or any suitable combination of computing devices.Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasound simulation device 102 mayinclude one or more processor(s) 120 and associated memory device(s) 122configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions. Asused herein, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuitsreferred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refersto a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmablelogic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, andother programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s) 122 ofthe ultrasound simulation device 102 may generally comprise memoryelement(s) including, but are not limited to, computer readable medium(e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer readable non-volatilemedium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disc-read onlymemory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc(DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s) 122may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readableinstructions that, when implemented by the processor(s) 120, configurethe ultrasound simulation device 102 to perform variouscomputer-implemented functions, such as facilitating the performance ofaudio-enhanced, simulated ultrasound examinations.

As shown in FIG. 2, in several embodiments, the memory device(s) 122associated with the ultrasound simulation device 120 may be configuredto store pre-recorded ultrasound data 124 that was obtained during theperformance of one or more actual ultrasound examinations. For example,as indicated above, audio-enhanced ultrasound data may be collected frompatients or other human subjects using an ultrasound unit, together witha unidirectional microphone, to obtain a moving ultrasound image(s) ofone or more internal organs together with the auscultatory soundsgenerated by the examined organ(s) while the ultrasound image(s) werebeing recorded. The resulting ultrasound image(s) and synced audio maythen be combined to create an audio-enhanced ultrasound data file thatmay be transmitted to and/or stored within the memory device(s) 122 ofthe ultrasound simulation device 102.

It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, audio-enhancedultrasound data may be stored within the memory device(s) 122 of theultrasound simulation device 102 that is associated with a plurality ofdifferent internal organs. For example, audio-enhanced ultrasound datamay be obtained from actual ultrasound examinations performed on apatient's heart, lungs, bowels, blood vessels and/or any other suitableinternal organ. In such instance, each recording made of a giveninternal organ may be stored within the memory device(s) 122 as separatedata file, with each data file including a moving ultrasound image(s) ofthe examined organ together with its synced audio data.

It should also be appreciated that a plurality of different data filesmay be stored within the memory device(s) 122 for a given internalorgan. For instance, audio-enhanced ultrasound data associated with aparticular organ may be collected from a plurality of patients havingdiffering medical conditions. In such instance, the audio-enhancedultrasound data collected from the patients may be selected forinclusion within the ultrasound simulation device 102 based on itsability to assist the trainee in recognizing and diagnosing specificmedical conditions. For instance, a plurality of different data filesassociated with examinations of a human heart may be stored within thememory device(s) 122, with each data file including visual and/oraudible evidence of a specific medical condition. As a result, a traineemay, for example, be exposed to multiple different medical conditionsfor each internal organ being examined, thereby enhancing the overalllearning experience for the trainee.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that, as an alternative to thecollecting the audio-enhanced ultrasound data from actual ultrasoundexaminations, all or a portion of such data may be computer-generated.For example, in one embodiment, an actual moving ultrasound image of agiven internal organ may be combined with computer-generated audio thatmimics the sound generated by the organ.

Referring still to FIG. 2, as indicated above, the ultrasound simulationdevice 102 may also be coupled to one or more output devices, such as adisplay 104 and one or more speakers 106. The display 104 may generallycorrespond to any suitable monitor, screen or other output device forpresenting visual information to the trainee. For example, in oneembodiment, the display 104 may simply correspond to a computer screencoupled to the ultrasound simulation device 102. Alternatively, thedisplay 104 may correspond to any other suitable display device, such asa light-emitting diode (LED) display, electroluminescent display (ELD),plasma display panel (PDP) or liquid crystal display (LCD). Similarly,the speaker(s) 106 may generally correspond to any suitable audio outputdevice capable of broadcasting audible information to the trainee. Forexample, one embodiment, the speaker(s) 106 may correspond to anycompact, high power audio output device(s).

As indicated above, the ultrasound simulation device 102 may generallybe configured to output audio-enhanced ultrasound data associated with agiven internal organ via the display 104 and associated speaker(s) 106.Specifically, when the trainee desires to perform a simulated ultrasoundexamination on a particular organ, the ultrasound simulation device 102may be configured to output a moving ultrasound image of the organ forpresentation on the display 104 while simultaneously broadcasting theassociated auscultatory sounds via the speaker(s) 106, thereby allowingthe trainee to perform both a visual and audible examination on theorgan.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasound simulation device 102may also be coupled to one or more input devices 124 to allow thetrainee to provide user inputs to the device 102. For example, in oneembodiment, a touch screen may be integrated into or otherwiseassociated with the display 104 to allow the trainee to provide inputsto the ultrasound simulation device 102 using his/her hand(s) and/or astylus. In addition, or as an alternative thereto, a peripheral keyboardand/or mouse (e.g., the keyboard 112 shown in FIG. 1) may be coupled tothe ultrasound simulation device 102 to allow the trainee to provideuser inputs.

Moreover, the ultrasound simulation device 102 may also be coupled toany other suitable input device(s) 126. For example, as indicated above,in one embodiment, the ultrasound probe 108 used to perform thesimulated ultrasound examination may be communicatively coupled to theultrasound simulation device 102. In such an embodiment, the ultrasoundprobe 108 may be configured to transmit input signals to the ultrasoundsimulation device 102 associated with the position of the probe 108relative to the manikin 110. For instance, the ultrasound probe 108 maytransmit a signal to the ultrasound simulation device 102 indicatingthat the probe 108 is positioned directly over the manikin 110 at alocation corresponding to the location of a human liver. In suchinstance, the ultrasound simulation device 102 may then output a movingultrasound image of a liver together with its synced audio data.

It should be appreciated that the various components shown in FIG. 2 aresimply illustrated as one example of suitable components that may beincluded within or coupled to the ultrasound simulation device 102. Inother embodiments, the ultrasound simulation device 102 may include orbe coupled to any other suitable combination of components. For example,if the ultrasound simulation device 102 is also configured to serve asan ultrasound unit for performing actual ultrasound examinations, theultrasound simulation device 102 may include or be coupled to anysuitable components that allow the device 102 to function as a clinicalultrasound unit.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method200 for performing audio-enhanced, simulated ultrasound examinations isillustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Ingeneral, the method 200 will be described herein with reference to thesystem 100 and ultrasound simulation device 102 described above withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it should be appreciated by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method 200 may generallybe utilized with any suitable system and/or any suitable ultrasoundsimulation device to allow for the performance of an audio-enhanced,simulated ultrasound examination. In addition, although FIG. 3 depictssteps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration anddiscussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to anyparticular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using thedisclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of themethods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/oradapted in various ways without deviating from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 3, at (202), the method 200 includes receivingaudio-enhanced ultrasound data. Specifically, as indicated above, theultrasound simulation device 102 may be configured to receivepre-recorded, audio-enhanced ultrasound data collected during actualultrasound examinations performed on one or more patients or other humantest subjects. For example, when the audio-enhanced ultrasound data isinitially collected, it may be stored within a memory device(s)associated with the ultrasound unit(s) used to perform the actualultrasound examination(s). The data may then be subsequently transmittedto and stored within the memory device(s) 122 of the ultrasoundsimulation device 102 (e.g., by transmitting the data to the ultrasoundsimulation device 102 over a network or by using a memory storagedevice, such as flash drive or a compact disc). Alternatively, if theultrasound simulation device 102, itself, corresponds to an ultrasoundunit configured to perform actual ultrasound examinations, theaudio-enhanced ultrasound data collected during the examination(s) maybe immediately stored within the device's memory 122. Thereafter, whenthe ultrasound simulation device 102 is subsequently being used toperform a simulated ultrasound examination, the device 102 may beconfigured to simply access the previously stored data.

Additionally, at (204), the method 200 includes receiving an indicationthat a simulated ultrasound examination of a particular internal organis to be performed. In general, the ultrasound simulation device 102 maybe configured to receive any suitable input signal providing anindication that a trainee desires to perform a simulated ultrasoundexamination. For example, in one embodiment, the indication maycorrespond to an input signal provided by the trainee (e.g., via akeyboard, mouse or any other suitable input device) that instructs theultrasound simulation device 102 to open a particular software programstored on the device 102 that allows for the performance of simulatedultrasound examinations. Alternatively, the indication may correspond toan input signal provided by the trainee that instructs the ultrasoundsimulation device 102 to initiate a simulated ultrasound examination.For instance, the trainee may provide an input signal instructing thedevice 102 to initiate a simulated ultrasound examination for aparticular organ, such as by using a keyboard or mouse coupled to theultrasound simulation device 102 to select an organ to be examined. Inanother embodiment, such input signal may derive from the ultrasoundprobe 108 that is to be used to perform the simulated ultrasoundexamination. For example, the trainee may place the ultrasound probe 108at a particular location on the manikin 110 in order to indicate to theultrasound simulation device 102 that a simulated ultrasound examinationof the organ associated with the selected location on the manikin 110 isdesired to be performed.

Referring still to FIG. 3, at (206), the method 200 includes displayinga moving ultrasound image of the internal organ. Specifically, asindicated above, the ultrasound simulation device 102 may becommunicatively coupled to a display 104 configured to display visualinformation to the trainee. Thus, upon receipt of the indication that asimulated ultrasound examination of a particular internal organ is to beperformed, the ultrasound simulation device 102 may be configured topresent a moving ultrasound image of the organ to the trainee via thedisplay 104.

In addition, at (208), the method 200 includes broadcasting synced audiodata of the internal organ simultaneously with the display of the movingultrasound image. Specifically, as indicated above, the ultrasoundsimulation device 102 may be communicatively coupled to a speaker(s) 106configured to output audio associated with the auscultatory soundsgenerated by the organ depicted in the moving ultrasound image as suchultrasound image was being initially being recorded. As a result, bysimultaneously broadcasting the synced audio data with the displayedultrasound image, the trainee may be allowed to conduct both a visualand audible examination of the associated internal organ.

It should be appreciated that, although the present subject matter hasgenerally been described herein with reference to performing simulatedultrasound examinations on internal organs by combining movingultrasound images of the organs together with their synced audio data,the disclosed system 100 and method 200 may generally be used to performany suitable simulated ultrasound examination. For example, recordingsof vascular sounds, fetal sounds, and/or the like may be combined withtheir corresponding moving ultrasound images to produce audio-enhancedultrasound data, which may then be used during the performance of asimulated ultrasound examination. It should be also be appreciated that,in addition to simulated ultrasound examinations on humans, thedisclosed system 100 and method 200 may also be utilized to performaudio-enhanced, simulated ultrasound examinations on animals.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

1. A system for performing audio-enhanced, simulated ultrasoundexaminations, the system comprising: an ultrasound simulation deviceconfigured to assist in the performance of a simulated ultrasoundexamination, the ultrasound simulation device including at least oneprocessor and associated memory, the memory storing audio-enhancedultrasound data for at least one internal organ, the audio-enhancedultrasound data including a moving ultrasound image of the at least oneinternal organ along with synced audio data, the synced audio dataincluding auscultatory sounds generated by the at least one internalorgan depicted within the moving ultrasound image; a display coupled tothe ultrasound simulation device, the display being configured todisplay the moving ultrasound image as a simulated ultrasoundexamination is performed; and a speaker coupled to the ultrasoundsimulation device, the speaker being configured to broadcast the syncedaudio data as the simulated ultrasound examination is performed.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the audio-enhanced ultrasound data includesmoving ultrasound images and corresponding synced audio data for aplurality of different internal organs.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the at least one internal organ comprises a first internalorgan, wherein the audio-enhanced ultrasound data includes a pluralityof different moving ultrasound images for the first internal organ alongwith synced audio data associated with the auscultatory sounds generatedby the first internal organ within each moving ultrasound image.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein each corresponding pair of moving ultrasoundimages and synced audio data contains at least one of visual evidence oraudible evidence of a different medical condition associated with thefirst internal organ.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneinternal organ comprises a heart.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theat least one internal organ comprises at least one of a heart, a lung orbowels.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an ultrasoundprobe.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the ultrasound probe is coupledto the ultrasound simulation device, the ultrasound probe beingconfigured to transmit signals to the ultrasound simulation deviceassociated with a position of the ultrasound probe relative to anassociated manikin.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portionof the audio-enhanced ultrasound data is computer-generated.
 10. Amethod for performing audio-enhanced, simulated ultrasound examinations,the method comprising: receiving, with a computing device, an indicationthat a simulated ultrasound examination is to be performed, thesimulated ultrasound examination being associated with an internalorgan; retrieving, with the computing device, audio-enhanced ultrasounddata for the internal organ, the audio-enhanced ultrasound dataincluding a moving ultrasound image of the internal organ along withsynced audio data, the synced audio data including auscultatory soundsgenerated by the internal organ depicted within the moving ultrasoundimage; transmitting, with the computing device, the moving ultrasoundimage for display as the simulated ultrasound examination is beingperformed; and transmitting, with the computing device, the synced audiodata for broadcast as the simulated ultrasound examination beingperformed, wherein, when the moving ultrasound image is displayed andthe synced audio data is simultaneously broadcast as the simulatedultrasound examination is being performed, the auscultatory soundsgenerated by the internal organ depicted within the moving ultrasoundimage are synchronized with the associated movements of the internalorgan as displayed.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprisingreceiving the audio-enhanced ultrasound data for storage within memoryof the computing device.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein at least aportion of the obtained audio-enhanced ultrasound data iscomputer-generated.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein theaudio-enhanced ultrasound data includes moving ultrasound images andcorresponding synced audio data for a plurality of different internalorgans.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the audio-enhancedultrasound data includes a plurality of different moving ultrasoundimages for the internal organ along with synced audio data associatedwith the auscultatory sounds generated by the internal organ with eachmoving ultrasound image.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein eachcorresponding pair of moving ultrasound images and synced audio datacontains at least one of visual evidence or audible evidence of adifferent medical condition associated with the internal organ.
 16. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the simulated ultrasound examination isbeing performed using an ultrasound probe with an associated manikin,further comprising receiving, with the computing device, input signalsfrom the ultrasound probe associated with a position of the ultrasoundprobe relative to the manikin.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein theat least one internal organ comprises at least one of a heart, a lung orbowels.
 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying themoving ultrasound image on a display coupled to the computing device.19. The method of claim 10, further comprises broadcasting the syncedaudio data with a speaker coupled to the computing device.